Old Age ??? Or Something Else

[StartinOver-68]

Hi everyone, most of you here probably remember me, I've been on BB.com for the past two years and left (posting) only just recently. I physically started going downhill about 6 months ago and it has gotten worse over the last few months. I will try to explain.

I have always had a bad left rotator plus a "clicking" left elbow. I had also been diagnosed with arthritis many years ago but it never really bothered me much. About 5 months ago I noticed a steady decline in my strength, nothing really earth shaking about that, it happens to everyone. I decieded to try a well know brand of suppliment to counteract the sholder/elbow problem. Now I'm not blameing the suppliment for my problems, but I have an allergy to shellfish that manifests itself as hives. When I started getting those I got off the suppliment. In the meantime my joints started getting worse. I took about a month off thinking the CNS was out of whack.

Long story short, nothing seems to help and the joint problem is spreading into other joints that have never givin me any problems. It even seems that the tendons and ligaments are being affected because everything thats moveable hurts.

I know 95% of you will say to see a Dr. and I will if it comes to that, but those of you that know me, know I think very little of the pill pushers, and if it is accute arthritis we all know there is no cure. I have googled everything pertaining to this condition, and the only thing I can come up with is; age, arthritis, and dehydration making the condition worse. I have taken it upon myself to force water intake, backed off the strenous and frequency of workouts.

I guess what I'm asking is, has anyone here encountered this type of problem ??

[freebirdmac]

You do need to see a doctor. I hate taking pills but dang gone it sometimes you just gotta do what you've gotta do. Not all pills are bad.

Since you can't do shellfish can you do fish oil? I know it has really helped my mom's knees. Swimming is another activity that really seems to help keep the joints mobile without putting a load on them.

Good luck, and don't be so stubborn. All you have to do is listen to the doc. No one can force you to follow what the doc recommends

[djl_ottawa]

Yeah I would go see a doctor.

I know it's harder for some folks because of lack of medical care, but for serious issues that might effect your life, I would find a way to go.

[Wayne Evans]

Originally Posted by StartinOver-68

Hi everyone, most of you here probably remember me, I've been on BB.com for the past two years and left (posting) only just recently. I physically started going downhill about 6 months ago and it has gotten worse over the last few months. I will try to explain.

I have always had a bad left rotator plus a "clicking" left elbow. I had also been diagnosed with arthritis many years ago but it never really bothered me much. About 5 months ago I noticed a steady decline in my strength, nothing really earth shaking about that, it happens to everyone. I decieded to try a well know brand of suppliment to counteract the sholder/elbow problem. Now I'm not blameing the suppliment for my problems, but I have an allergy to shellfish that manifests itself as hives. When I started getting those I got off the suppliment. In the meantime my joints started getting worse. I took about a month off thinking the CNS was out of whack.

Long story short, nothing seems to help and the joint problem is spreading into other joints that have never givin me any problems. It even seems that the tendons and ligaments are being affected because everything thats moveable hurts.

I know 95% of you will say to see a Dr. and I will if it comes to that, but those of you that know me, know I think very little of the pill pushers, and if it is accute arthritis we all know there is no cure. I have googled everything pertaining to this condition, and the only thing I can come up with is; age, arthritis, and dehydration making the condition worse. I have taken it upon myself to force water intake, backed off the strenous and frequency of workouts.

I guess what I'm asking is, has anyone here encountered this type of problem ??

Hey StartinOver-68.....

Glad to see you post.
I'm sorry I can't add any real help to your exact inquiry.
But, at risk of you being pissed at me, I'm going to re-iterate what freebirdmac stated....I think you should see the doc too.

I'm skeptical about a lot of 'doctor' advisement too because I've gotten some less than accurate info myself and don't relish taking prescriptions either.
But, I think that 'logic' should prevail here and to get their opinion and/or treatment options will give you more knowledge about your current problems.
I would recommend not letting your emotional disdain cloud your logic.
Any opinions, even from a doctor, can only help....IMO.

I hope others can assist more specifically for you.

Welcome back and please keep us informed.

Respectfully.....of course.

[bodyhard]

SO68 if anyone can overcome, is you man! Glad to see you posting again, much respect.

I iwsh I could shed some light on your problem but I haven't a clue

[lukamar]

I'm on the go to the sawbones train.

This sounds just like what happened to me when my thyroid and Test bot went wonky at the same time. Every joint in my body hurt, I was feeling worn down and I felt like I was getting old fast. Daily Synthroid and a bi-monthly Test shot and I feel 60 again...LOL Wait that's a typo 30 again. It took about 3 months to feel normal again once I started on the meds but what a difference and it's just a simple blood test.

[biggaz]

If its any help, I'm sure that some glucosamine supps aren't made fom shellfish. I don't think mine does, but I binned the insert this morning and there's nothing on the outer packaging.

I only use mine as a precautionary measure so I don't know much either way..
Great to see you back ;-)

[boathead]

your singing my song. i've slacked off training pretty much for the past 6 weeks....every, and i mean every, joint hurts. it's progressively gotten worse over the past year, and i've been wondering where the hell this is going for me. in january, i had shoulder surgery, and a ton of arthritis was scraped out.

my immediate lay off was caused by my shoulder...i just hadn't given it a chance to recuperate, and it hurt so badly that i just took a reprieve from working out. my shoulder has been feeling much better, but every other joint kills.

i'll be seeing a doctor shortly. i don't think i am a wuss, but what i've been going through is not exactly what i'm hoping for in life.

good luck, 68. wish i knew the answers.

[uncbob]

Maybe you need a shoulder replacement

That is what is the usual cure for hips knees and shoulders that have degenerated past the point of no return

**** happens

My wife at 73 needs a hip replacement and up to 2 years ago she was an avid jogger--( congenital arthritis) she still works out on the machines 3 days a week at LA fitness and ride a Schwinn Aerodyne 7 miles a day but walks with a limp has constant pain all through her leg

[we_fat_irishman]

alrite there, iv started trainning in jan and was wondering what peoples views on the following: im a bit worried that eating to much red meat to help gain muscle because this can cause bowl cancer, could any1 enlighten me about this

[m1k3g0rd]

"I know 95% of you will say to see a Dr. and I will if it comes to that......"

I think it's come to that.

If you hurt that much don't rely on an Internet Forum for medical advice. I don't like doctors or pills and all the other crap they put you through, but you need to get this taken care of.

[ProfBush]

You might want to look into hyaluronic acid as a supplement. It is said to grow cartilage. MSM is something that you can get by itself and I don't think it comes from shellfish like glucosamine and chrondroitin. They give MSM to million dollar race horses as an anti-inflammatory and to support their joints.

[StartinOver-68]

Thanks to everyone who responded. I know if this persists that a Dr. is inevitable. I have had a $hiteload of problems in my life, and I could always handle, or at least understand and deal with them. This one is a bit of a baffle to me and I don't like it.
I am going to take some more time off, try to do the right thing bodywise, and just chill a bit. I'll give that a shot for about a month, and if I can't beat it I will go to a Dr. that specializes in this sort of thing. I certainly hope I can find one that I trust and respect, otherwise I'm just wasteing money.

I might look into that haluronic acid though, Baldy also swears by it. Surgery is not an option as some have suggested because all the joints work.... they are just painful. If I have to give up weightlifting as I know it, then so be it.

Thank's again to all, if I ever get this resolved I'll be sure to let y'all know what was what.

[batteryrequired]

Hey....great to see ya on here again! Try the doctor route at least to at least eliminate some things and pinpoint the problem. Then go from there. It could be simpler than you think. Hang in there bud!

[Reality_Check]

I'm more skeptical than most anyone of seeing doctors or taking pills, but I think there can come a point when things are bad enough that they can do more good than harm.

Also note that I am only 40 but get good results (strength increases - not decreases - week after week, from exercising only one day of the week).

[EMISGOD]

What supplement did you use?

Have you ever tried a combination of Devil's Claw and Cat's Claw for the joint issues?

I don't need to tell you (or probably anyone here) about the delayed recovery/bounce-back period as you age from when you throw your body chemistry out of whack, but if you're not approaching normalcy but actively getting worse after 6 months, it's probably time to get checked out with some medical apparatus...

[NotTooLate]

I don't know the answer to your question but it's good to see you posting again!


I don't relish the idea of losing my strength as I get older

[4simac]

Doctors can at least diagnose the problem. You don't have to take medication you don't want to.

The big question is whether your joint pain is inflammation or ossification where your soft tissue turns hard like bone. Two VERY different issues. You also want to rule out other possible auto-immune issues. Get the tests and know what you are dealing with. You don't want to cause damage while you wait.

[Whiskeyjack]

SO68 - amazing...just yesterday I was out for a walk and I thought about you and wondered how you were making out. Definitely missing your presence here.

I can't help you with your problem but I'd listen to Lukamar on this one. I have several autoimmune conditions. It's not the end of the world.

Stick around SO!

[IronIc]

Hey SO68! I don't have a clue about solving your problem either ... ... but it is good seeing you post again

[StartinOver-68]

Hi gang, I said I would keep y'all informed. It, got progressivly worse, so I figured it was time to bite the bullet and see a Dr. I went to a rhumatoligist yesterday and after much Q&A's I had some tests taken. Bloodwork, X-Rays, synovial fluid extraction, etc. It's a little early for the test results but he and I both agree that the sudden arthritic onset, coupled with a recent gout problem, all points to the immune system being too overactive. He put me on (steriods, LOL)
Methylprednlsolone to run about six days, and then scheduled a followup about three weeks later. Of course if any test results show a more serious problem it could be sooner.

I can tell you all right now that I do not want to go through life feeling like I have in the past month. I would even consider the "evil" drug side effects to my current condition.
Hopefully this will subside with treatment, I'll keep y'all's posted later.

[Wayne Evans]

Originally Posted by StartinOver-68

Hi gang, I said I would keep y'all informed. It, got progressivly worse, so I figured it was time to bite the bullet and see a Dr. I went to a rhumatoligist yesterday and after much Q&A's I had some tests taken. Bloodwork, X-Rays, synovial fluid extraction, etc. It's a little early for the test results but he and I both agree that the sudden arthritic onset, coupled with a recent gout problem, all points to the immune system being too overactive. He put me on (steriods, LOL)
Methylprednlsolone to run about six days, and then scheduled a followup about three weeks later. Of course if any test results show a more serious problem it could be sooner.

I can tell you all right now that I do not want to go through life feeling like I have in the past month. I would even consider the "evil" drug side effects to my current condition.
Hopefully this will subside with treatment, I'll keep y'all's posted later.

Thanks for NOT forgetting to update us on your progress/prognosis info.

Good luck with the treatments amigo.

[TwoWalks]

Originally Posted by StartinOver-68

Hi gang, I said I would keep y'all informed. It, got progressivly worse, so I figured it was time to bite the bullet and see a Dr. I went to a rhumatoligist yesterday and after much Q&A's I had some tests taken. Bloodwork, X-Rays, synovial fluid extraction, etc. It's a little early for the test results but he and I both agree that the sudden arthritic onset, coupled with a recent gout problem, all points to the immune system being too overactive. He put me on (steriods, LOL)
Methylprednlsolone to run about six days, and then scheduled a followup about three weeks later. Of course if any test results show a more serious problem it could be sooner.

I can tell you all right now that I do not want to go through life feeling like I have in the past month. I would even consider the "evil" drug side effects to my current condition.
Hopefully this will subside with treatment, I'll keep y'all's posted later.

It is good you went in to get this condition checked. I am not a huge fan of Doctors as my wife will testify, but ... Modern medicine has the ability to diagnose the problem, even if you choose to treat it yourself with natural medicines.

[TwoWalks]

Originally Posted by we_fat_irishman

alrite there, iv started trainning in jan and was wondering what peoples views on the following: im a bit worried that eating to much red meat to help gain muscle because this can cause bowl cancer, could any1 enlighten me about this

Protein does not have to come from "Red Meat". Fish, chicken, beans, powders, etc.

[freebirdmac]

Glad you went to the doc and I hope the 'roids give you some relief.

[Tifflex]

Thanks for the update SO!

[keith1958]

Originally Posted by lukamar

I'm on the go to the sawbones train.

This sounds just like what happened to me when my thyroid and Test bot went wonky at the same time. Every joint in my body hurt, I was feeling worn down and I felt like I was getting old fast. Daily Synthroid and a bi-monthly Test shot and I feel 60 again...LOL Wait that's a typo 30 again. It took about 3 months to feel normal again once I started on the meds but what a difference and it's just a simple blood test.

I had the same joint pain and after years of fighting it a doctor tested my hormones and klow and behold after a coup,e test to be sure I was low on almost everything. Since starting HRT I feel alot better and have gotten into much better shape. It can't hurt to get them tested. men also go through a change of life.

Originally Posted by StartinOver-68

Hi gang, I said I would keep y'all informed. It, got progressivly worse, so I figured it was time to bite the bullet and see a Dr. I went to a rhumatoligist yesterday and after much Q&A's I had some tests taken. Bloodwork, X-Rays, synovial fluid extraction, etc. It's a little early for the test results but he and I both agree that the sudden arthritic onset, coupled with a recent gout problem, all points to the immune system being too overactive. He put me on (steriods, LOL)
Methylprednlsolone to run about six days, and then scheduled a followup about three weeks later. Of course if any test results show a more serious problem it could be sooner.

I can tell you all right now that I do not want to go through life feeling like I have in the past month. I would even consider the "evil" drug side effects to my current condition.
Hopefully this will subside with treatment, I'll keep y'all's posted later.

I still think you should get your hormones checked. i believe all men should while they are still feeling good. It gives them a good baseline.

[uncbob]

Originally Posted by freebirdmac

Glad you went to the doc and I hope the 'roids give you some relief.

Probably wasn't the anabolic type steroids but the prednisone type

[StartinOver-68]

Ok gang another update. While I'm not yet out of the woods with this thing yet, I believe we are getting closer to a solution. I have had bloodwork done recently and aside from an immune dissorder (they think is being caused by a defiency of vitamin D), everthing else is normal. I don't know the exact termonology but the normal vitamin D trace in the bloodstream is supposed to be about 80, mine was 8 ! I am going on prescription vitamin D from the Dr. to the tune of 20,000 IU's a week for a few weeks, then taper off to a more normal amount. I checked vitamin D defiency out and it is very enlightning.

Since I retired and lost my leg I really don't get out much especially in the winter, coupled with the fact that at my age I need twice as much vitamin D as someone younger. You cannot get the required amount of D from foods, and one a day vitamins only scratch the surface, you need that sunshine or a suppliment.

I will keep y'all posted on the outcome of this as I believe this is a little more prevelant than I suspected amongst people with unknown aches and pains. Please do yourself a favor and look up vitamin D defiencies if you have a similiar problem, you may be supprised at all the physical problems that defiency causes.

[gbg]

Originally Posted by StartinOver-68

Ok gang another update. While I'm not yet out of the woods with this thing yet, I believe we are getting closer to a solution. I have had bloodwork done recently and aside from an immune dissorder (they think is being caused by a defiency of vitamin D), everthing else is normal. I don't know the exact termonology but the normal vitamin D trace in the bloodstream is supposed to be about 80, mine was 8 ! I am going on prescription vitamin D from the Dr. to the tune of 20,000 IU's a week for a few weeks, then taper off to a more normal amount. I checked vitamin D defiency out and it is very enlightning.

Since I retired and lost my leg I really don't get out much especially in the winter, coupled with the fact that at my age I need twice as much vitamin D as someone younger. You cannot get the required amount of D from foods, and one a day vitamins only scratch the surface, you need that sunshine or a suppliment.

I will keep y'all posted on the outcome of this as I believe this is a little more prevelant than I suspected amongst people with unknown aches and pains. Please do yourself a favor and look up vitamin D defiencies if you have a similiar problem, you may be supprised at all the physical problems that defiency causes.

Glad to here you gave in and went to the doc!! hope your back to feeling yourself soon